Fall is the season of change. Changing leaves, changing weather and changing lives as kids go back to school and we gear up for the holidays. Fall is that great part of the year between the heat of summer and the cold of winter. Crisp air, changing colors and the promise of change. Some people use the time like squirrels to store up for the winter and prepare for hibernation. However this is not the case in Sedona! Fall is as busy a time as ever and is jammed packed with exciting and interesting things to do. No time to rest on your laurels here. Just take a look at this long list of all the local happenings that make Sedona in October truly special:
First we have to talk about the gorgeous colors fall brings in the Verde Valley. It is truly magical! The peek time for leaf turning is late September through mid-October. A leaf-peeping trip during this time guarantees you will see the changing colors. Imagine glorious gold and incredible crimson, just two of the colors you will see as you take a scenic drive. Yellows of all hues mixed with the green pine trees makes for a stunning contrast. Reds that mix with deep shades of orange, even browns look like a picture postcard here. If you are looking for great photo opportunities or the perfect viewing place, tone place to take a spin though is Oak Creek Canyon on Highway 89A north. As you head towards Flagstaff you will autumn in all its absolute glory. You will not regret it!
Speaking of leaf-peeping, The Verde Canyon Railroad offers a Sedona Fall Colors Tour for the entire month of October! Yep, you read that correctly! From October 1 all the way through October 31 you can take the Verde Canyon Railroad on a fabulous Fall Color Tour. Check it-want to enjoy the best show of autumn in all of Arizona? Then sit back and relax in their comfortable loveseats or in a bistro chair and gaze out the panoramic windows on the train and let yourself be washed in the fall colors of nature that are bursting out all along the Verde River. Zip along at a good clip but not too fast so you won’t miss a thing. Let someone else do the driving, or conducting in case so you can focus on what you see out the window while you enjoy a seasonal cocktail especially crafted for this train.
You can find the Verde Canyon Railroad at 300 North Broadway, Clarkdale, AZ 86324
If you are one of us who believes that you should not just let summer go quietly into that good night, then you absolutely want to check out the Ales on Rails Beer Tasting Tour. The Verde Canyon Railroad comes through once again with an original event. If you like beer and are looking for an Oktoberfest type of event then this will far exceed your expectations! Ales on Rails happens EVERY Thursday through Sunday in October. Believe it! A whole month of long weekends plus beer on a train!
The party starts on the depot patio at 11:00am each Thursday through Sunday. In the spirit of a true Oktoberfest it kicks off with a German luncheon on sausages, sauerkraut, potato salad, pretzels and strudel that will leave you wondering if you are in Berlin, Munich or the Verde Valley as you listen to the polka music they provide.
Be prepared to hop on the train at 1:00pm and continue the party with a huge selection of specialty beers including Verde Canyon Railroad’s own private-labeled brews, crafted in Sedona by the renowned Oak Creek Brewery. No Ale on the Rails is complete without local brews and they offer rich-crafted ales, lagers, porters and stouts. Sit back with a local craft beer and watch the leaves go by.
Do you believe in Magic? No, I am not talking about the 1960’s hit song but real Magic. If so or even if you are just a little curious, come to the Magic Festival October 2-4 in Sedona. As you may know, Sedona in October just happens to be one of the most magical places on planet earth!
This family friendly celebration of wonder is being produced by Jay Scott Berry and is going to provide the whole range of the ancient art of magic. All the main events will take place in and around The Sedona Creative Life Center which has magical views of its own right outside the windows. You will certainly want to see the Dream Team of international and local stars they have lined up throughout the whole weekend. Reservations are first come first serve to don’t wait and hope for someone to work some magic and make a sold out event have an opening! For a limited time, all-inclusive Golden Tickets for Magicians are just $149 Adults and $99 under 16.
Here are just a few event highlights for you:
This is just a quick glimpse of all that is happening in the Verde Valley as we coast into Fall. For a more events or information just click here: http://sedona-arizona-vacations.com/sedona-verde-valley-event-calendar/list/.
Enjoy your October and stay tuned for how we will welcome November!
